[3] Built in 1969, the highway links Hobart to Kingston, bypassing several suburbs and acting as a fast, grade-separated route through bushland and the mountainous terrain of Mount Nelson.

However, following population growth in Kingston and the surrounding areas, the Southern Outlet underwent significant upgrades, and in 1990 it was converted into a full dual-carriageway highway.

Initially estimated at $51 million, the project has experienced substantial cost overruns, largely due to unexpected issues such as the risk of rock falls during construction, as well as design complications related to Hobart’s mountainous terrain.

Local residents and community groups have voiced concerns about the project, arguing that expanding roads may lead to increased traffic in the already congested city center rather than providing long-term solutions.

Despite the controversy, the Tasmanian government maintains that this upgrade is essential for managing the growing population and traffic demands of Hobart’s southern suburbs.